Pena's manager, Gina Rugolo, said Wednesday the Cuban-American actress died Tuesday in Los Angeles of natural causes after a brief illness. No other details were provided.

Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Pena's Hollywood career spanned four decades and included roles in such movies as "La Bamba," "Down and Out in Beverly Hills," "Jacob's Ladder" and "Rush Hour." In filmmaker John Sayles' "Lone Star," she memorably portrayed a history teacher who rekindles a romance with an old flame, played by Chris Cooper.

Pena's manager, Gina Rugolo, said Wednesday the Cuban-American actress died Tuesday in Los Angeles of natural causes after a brief illness. No other details were provided.

Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Pena's Hollywood career spanned four decades and included roles in such movies as "La Bamba," "Down and Out in Beverly Hills," "Jacob's Ladder" and "Rush Hour." In filmmaker John Sayles' "Lone Star," she memorably portrayed a history teacher who rekindles a romance with an old flame, played by Chris Cooper.

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